Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
The increased exposure the event brought to local
Supporting business this year, and looking at what the next might bring
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to refl ect on the accomplishments of the past 12 months and set our sights on the opportunities ahead in 2025. At Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, this moment
Justin
Richardson CEO
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
of refl ection is just as important for us as it is for the busi- nesses we support. So, let’s take a look back at the high- lights of 2024 – celebrating the Chamber’s achievements and, more importantly, the successes of our members and the local business community we proudly serve. Firstly, no round-up of 2024 could be complete with-
out a mention of the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards, organised and hosted by the Chamber for the fi rst time this year. In keeping with our commitment to helping local busi-
nesses boost their profi le and strengthen their publicity, this event shone a spotlight on around 40 Gold and Silver winners and attracted extensive coverage in the media and on social networks.
businesses was already, for us, a triumph, but when we reviewed the numbers, there was even more to celebrate – 2024 saw the highest number of entries ever, setting the stage for the 2025 event to be an even more thrilling show- case of what we can achieve together.
Driving business beyond borders At the Chamber, we’ve always been huge believers in our local businesses’ ability to sell to markets outside the UK, and 2024 saw us ramping up our activities to support export and global trade. Drawing on the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity
Fund (UKSPF), we delivered, with Central Bedfordshire Council, an export readiness support programme, including export grants. It’s helped businesses taking their fi rst steps towards
trading outside their borders, as well as more experienced exporters looking to move into new markets. All this was in addition to the ongoing activities of our
long-established Global Trade team, who in 2024 onboarded many new exporters, contributing to a real increase in the value of exports within the Chamber’s member businesses and in the wider region. It’s evidence, if any were needed, that export is a
potential revenue stream for many businesses – all they need is the Chamber’s helping hand. And it’s not too late, as support is available until March 31, 2025. Get in touch if we can help take your business global.
ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 38
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